3 Things You Need to Know If You Have Marble Countertops

When it comes to kitchens, it doesn’t get more gorgeous and character-rich than creamy, dreamy marble. But isn’t it a huge P-in-the-A to maintain? Nah. The way we see it, it’s an investment to treat like a luxury handbag: With a little extra love and care, it’ll last you a lifetime—and make you feel like a goddess. We checked in with marble expert John Gallo (president of Arcade Marble Inc.) for the three essential tips every owner needs to know.

Seal Your Counters Every 3 to 6 Months“Remember, marble is a living, breathing natural product that absorbs and releases liquids,” says Gallo. Stone sealers like SCI Stone Spray-N-Seal or Dupont Bulletproof Sealer are your absolute secret weapon, and Gallo advises applying them every three to six months. The trick to knowing when you’re overdue? “If you see the stone change color and get darker when wet, that means it’s taking on moisture,” he says.

Treat Stains ImmediatelyStock your kitchen with key stain-fighters so you can tackle spills as soon as they occur. Household bleach (dabbed on a microfiber towel) is great for spot-treating small red wine spills and marinara sauce. But for tougher, larger stains, Gallo suggests spreading a ⅜-inch coating of poultice, taping down with plastic wrap and letting it sit overnight. (As the powder dries, it will draw out the stain.) In extreme cases, a professional can be called in for a light hand sanding.